Composer printing machine



3 Sheets-Sheet f 1 'w. c. HUEBNER Filed Sept. 19, 1952 COMPOSER PRINTING MCHINE Aug. 22, 1933.

A118- 22, 1933-` w. c. HUEBNER 1,923,671

COMPOSER PRINTIFNG MACHINE Filed sept. 19, 19:52 5 sheets-sheet 2 Fig? /4 Fzg - 47 45 l 4 fa `45 f3 4Z l/LZ 4/ p A Z if L Inventar 1 William ffaebrzer AU8 22, 1933 w. c. HUEBNER UOMPOSER PRINTING MAGHINE 3 Sheets-Shea# 5 Filed Sept. 19, 1932 Patented Aug. 22, 1933 1,923.1571 conrrosEa PRINTING 4imicnnar': William C. Huebner, Chicago, Ill.

Application September 19, '1932- I Serial N0. 633,729v

i claims.. (c1. asf-1s) This invention relates to improvements in composer printing machines, andmore particularly photographic printing machines commonly called photo composers. l

In'photographic printing machines for producing press plates and the like for ultimate use in 'printing presses,r the press plate'or other print 'receiving element is generally held stationary and the print producing elementr is generally sof mounted as to move in a plane parallel to the print receiving element and in such manner that it may move to any desired predetermined location with respect to the print receiving element. The press plates sometimes require o'nly one large image impression as in .the case of window displays; sometimes require a multiplicity of repeated small images, as in the case of stamps or labels; and sometimes require a combination of different size images in order to utilize the entire available printing surface.

Heretofore, in photographic printing machines or composers of the type indicated, the negative or other Vimage producing or printing element suitably mounted in a negative fra'me or holder, has been attached to a sub-carriage, which subcarriage in turnV has been mounted on a main carriage with adjusting and operating mechansms so arranged that the main carriage is movable back and forth in one direction and the subcarriage movable back and forth on the main carriage in a direction at right angles to the movement of the main carriage whereby to allow of positioning the center of the print producing element at any desired point with reference to the print receiving, element or press plate.

Such prior machines have been very heavy and cumbersome; require a` great deal of accurate machining to allow Afor the lines of movement of the carriage and sub-carriage respectively; involve a large number of operating parts for the carriage and sub-carriage,` respectively, with the result that the same have been unduly expensive, thus militating against their wide use and, furthermore, because of the number of relatively moving parts, it has been extremely difcult to obtain the necessary extreme accuracy in the p ositioning of the image producing element, particularly as required in the case of a series of press plates for multi-color printing.

One object of the present invention is to provide a'composer printing machine which is conrprised of the minimum number of essential parts; which is of materially lesser weight than those heretofore employed for work of given size; which is much cheaper to manufacture .because of the fewer number of parts and lesser amount of accurate machining than in the case of prior machines for similar purpose; and which is so constructed as to minimize possibilities of mis-register or inaccuracies in operation when operated 00 by the ordinary operator. I

More specically, an object of the invention is to provide a composer printing machine wherein the printing element -such as a negative is mounted on a single beam or monorail or single 55 carriage, which beam, monorail or carriage, with the print producing element `attached thereto in relatively fixed position, is `itself adjustable in two directions at right angles to each other in a plane parallel to the print receiving surface,

whereby to minimize the -chances of mis-register when locating the print-producing element with reference tothe print receiving element.

'Other objects of theinvention will more clearlyappear from the description4 and claims hereinafter following. ,Y i

In the drawings forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a front elevationalview of a machine embodying the improvements. Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the machine shown in Figure 1, the elevation being of the right handend of the machine as illustrated in Figure 1 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical, sectional view corresponding to theline 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is an enlarged horizontal, sectional view 86 corresponding to the brokenl line 4 4 of Figure 5. Figure 5 is a vertical, sectional view corresponding tothe line 5-5 of Figure 4, parts being broken out to better accommodate the view on the' sheet.4 And Figure 6 is an. end elevational 9 0 view of a machine embodying the improvements showing the same adjustable vfor use in. either vertical, horizontal-'onlin intermediate position. Referring rst-to thestructure illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, the machine is shown as embodying a suitable heavy pedestal or base 10, preferably in the form of a hollow casting, the same having integrally formed therewith, an -upper table' or horizontal bed 11 extending laterally to each side for a distance corresponding to the particular size of .machine to be built.. Carried by the base casting is a vertically ar. ranged frame consisting ofv two side hollow vand preferably built up rectangular columns 12-12, each suitably secured at its lower end to the ends of the table section 11. The columns 12 are rigidly and maintained in proper spaced and parallel relation by a top cross brace 13 also preferably in the form of a'hollow rectangular casting suitably flanged at its ends, as indicated 110 at 113, and bolted to the respective columns as shown at 14--14. In this manner a hollow rectangular frame in vertical position is provided of sufficient size to allow of the necessary movements of the negative holder and beam herein- -after described.

The table section 11 is provided with a preferably machined top, horizontal, flat surface 15 on which is slidably mounted, inwardly and out- Wardly, a supporting frame for the backing of the usual press plate or otherprint-receiving element on which the images are to be reproduced.

Said supporting frame comprises a bottom bar 16 slidably mounted on the surface '15 and two upright bars 17-17 laterally spaced and all rigidly united. The upright bars 17 are inwardly offset with reference to the forward edge of thebottom bar 16 so as to provide a ledge or shelf 18 on which rests the lower edge of the backing support for the press plate which preferably is inthe form of a rectangular heavy slate 19 with a flat front surface extending vertically and to which the press plate 20 may be secured in desired position by any suitable means, as for instance, vacuum, but the details of which are not deemed necessary of illustration or speelement hereinafter described. To effect these' clearance movements of the press plate, the supf port for the slate backing is formed with rearwardly extended upper and lower'racks 22-22K slidably supported on thel upper surface of the cross-beam 13 and table surface 15, respectively, said racks 22 being four in number andpreferably in -alinement with the upright bars 17. Extending transversely of the machine and suitably journaled in bearing castings 23 secured to the col'- .L

umns, are upper and lower shafts 24 and `25, each o1 which carries pinions, 26-26 meshing with the respective racks 22-22. Also secured to each of the shafts 24 and 25 near their right hand ends, as viewed in Figures 1 and 4, are pinions 27-27 meshing with lupper and lower racks on a vertically movable operating bar 28, as best shown in Figure 5. Said bar 28 is suitably guided inthe upper cross beam. 13 and by backing Vroller 29 at its bottom end, said bar 28 being extended 4through the table 15 and having pivotallyonnected thereto a link 3Q which in turn is pivotally connected to an operating lever 31 suitably supported on the base casting 10, said lever 31 having a handle 32. In Figure',` 5 the press plate support is shown in its outermost or operative position 'adapted to have the press plate thereon f placed in pressure contact with'the print-producing element. By lifting the operating lever 31, itis apparent that the shafts 24 and 25 will be rotated counter clockwise, thus retracting the press plate support and provide for the necessary clearance when making shifts. Conversely when the print-producing element has been adjusted to the desired position preparatory to an exposure, the lever 31 is depressed and the press plate and support brought back to operative position again. y

As best shown in Figure 4, each column 12 has the front plate 112 thereof preferably laterally extended at each side of the column so as to provide guides for what may be termed cross heads 33, one on each column and adapted for up and down movement with respectto the columns of the frame.

To effect simultaneous and equal vertical adjustments of the cross heads 33, the following arrangement is employed. Secured to the front plate 112 of each side column .and Within the respective cross heads, is a stationary or fixed rack 34 having its teeth facing toward the .front of the machine, and another locking rack 35 having its teeth facing laterally outwardly, and,

each rack 35 being adjustable within a limited soy range with respect to the supporting column.

Suitably journaled in the lower ends of the cross heads is a transversely extending shaft 36 carrying, adjacent each end thereof, a pinion 37 cooperating with the xed racks 34. At the operating end of the machine, the right hand end as shown in Figure 1, said shaft 36 is extended and provided with a clutch member 38 with which is adapted to co-operate a corresponding clutch element 138 carried by an operatingv crank arm 39 loosely' rotatably and slidably mounted on the end of the shaft 36. As will be evident, by engagingv the clutch members 38 and 138 and by rotating the crank arm 39, the two cross heads may be given their major or coarse adjustments vertically upwardly and downwardly by reasonA fected through the following means, particular reference being had toAFigures 1 and 3. Each rack 35, at its upper end, is provided with a threaded laterally extended nut 41 with which cooperates a threaded steamp42 of a screw swiveled in a flxed bracket 43 carried by the upper end of the corresponding column so that, as the screw is rotated, the same. is prevented from vertical movement but will impart a fine or micrometer adjustment vertically up and down for the corresponding rack 35. Each said screw preferably carries, at its upper end, a knob 44 having a micrometer scale 45. thereon so co-ordinated with vthe threads 42 that each mark on the scale 45 indicates one thousandth of an inch adjustment of the rack 35. Each adjusting screw has secured thereto a worm gear 46, the same meshing with worms 47 carried by another transversely extending shaft 48 suitably mounted in the brackets 43 .at the tops 'of the columns. The shaft 48.is provided with a clutch and crank handle arrangement-49, 50 corresponding to that described for the shaft 36 so that, upon rotation of the shaft 48, the simultaneous adjustment is effected equally for the cross heads at each side of the machine.

After the major and minor or coarse and ne adjustments of the cross heads have been made, the cross heads are then locked in their desired adjusted position by means of another operating shaft 5.1. extending transversely of the machine and suitably journaled at its ends in the cross heads, said shaft 51 carrying at each end thereof a segmental cam 52 ctr-acting with a locking block 53 carried by the respective cross heads, said locking blocks 53 being horizontally movable inwardly and outwardly upon rotation of the cams 52 and, when forced inwardly having the 4teeth at the inner ends of the blocks thereof entively heavy monorail, beam or unitary supporting member 55, the same being retained by suitable overhanging guide plates 56-56. Said beam or monorail is preferably of vertical, elongated, rectangular cross section as best shown in Figure 5 so as to minimize any tendency to sag when carrying the negative holder or other printproducing member. At its center, the beam or monorail, on the inner side thereof is preferably provided with a shelf casting 57 having an upper horizontal ledge or support for temporarily supporting the negative holding frame 58 when the latter is being put in place. The holder 58, which may be of any suitable character for retaining a glass negative or positive, fiexible film or other print-producing element proper, is located and positioned on the monorail by any suitable registering means for that purpose, such as well known in the art and preferably by/means of dowel pins 59 fixed to the inner side of the monorail and adapted to co-operate with corresponding dowel holes in the holder frame 58.

When in place, the holder frame is retained by secting at 91. In actual practice these lines will pinion 62 being carried at the inner end of a not be actually inscribed on the negative but are shown to illustrate the center point which will always be located at a predetermined distance above the monorail, which distancewill accord with the different sizes of negative holders employed. The vertical scale indicator will be set to accord with the size holders employed, which is deemed unnecessary of illustration herein.

The adjustments of the beam or monorail hori- Azontally, that is at right angles to the vertical adjustments thereof, effected as hereinbefore described, are accomplished as follows: Secured to the outer face of the monorail is a fixedy or rigid rack 60 with its teeth facing upwardly and another rack 61 with its teeth facing downwardly,

the rack 61 being adjustable forY a limited dis' tance horizontally with reference to the monorail proper. l'TheI major or coarse adjustments of the monorail or beam horizontally are made by a pinion 62 which engages with the rack 60, said short shaft 63 suitably journaled inthe cross head and extending tothe front of the machine and adapted to b'e rotated by another clutch and crank arm arrangement 64, 65. The minor or'- micrometer adjustments are effected as follows, particular reference being had to Figures 1 and 4.

VThe beam 55 at its right hand end is provided with I tion.

formed integral with the outer or right hand end of the movable rack 61. As will be evident, upon rotation of the micrometer screw 67, the adjustments to thousandths of an inch between the rack 61 and beam 55 proper may be effected and therein locked position and, obviously, by swinging the lever 73 upward or clockwise, the block will be disengaged, thus releasing the monorail for ad-v justment.

From the preceding description, it will be seen that the negative or other print-producing. element employed in this general class of machine,

is attached to the monorail or beam and retains a relatively fixed position with respect thereto during all adjustments. The one monorail or beam is itself adjustable in the two directions at right angles to each other in a plane parallel to the print-receiving surface, thus eliminating the sub-carriages heretofore deemed necessary and hence greatly reducing the number of parts and cost of manufacture; eliminating many of the. sources of possible inaccuracies of adjustment and misregister inherent in prior types -of machines employing said sub-carriages: and also greatly simplifying the operation of the machine since the operating parts for effecting the necessary adjustments are reduced to the minimum' and compactly located at one side of the machine.

In the machine shown and described, the necessary clearance movements between the printreceiving and print-producing elements are effected by moving the print-receiving element nwardly and outwardly, but, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the necessary clearance movements might be equally well eiected by having the `print-receiving element always maintained in fixed position and the clearance movements imparted to the negative holder inwardly and outwardly relative -to the monorail, -125' without departing from the spirit of the inven- Referring to Figure 6, the arrangement of supportingframe, cross heads, monorail, press plate support and operating means for the various parts is the same as that hereinbefore described for Figures 1 to 5. In Figure 6, however, the main frame designated generally by the refercnce character A is provided with a suitable heavy pivot lug 70 on its under side, which in turn is pivotally connected through the heavy pivot 71 with the base casting 110 whereby the machine may be utilized-as either a vertical type, horizontal type, or any intermediate inclined type ,-machine without inany wisedeparting from the spirit of the invention,.thus adapting the machine to meet the preferences of different-operators.

Referring back toFigur'e 2, a horizontal. rail 72 vcarried by brackets '73 secured to the respective cross heads is illustrated in dotted lines, said rail 72 indicating conventionally a suitable type of support for an arc lamp generally -utilized in machines of this character,.it being understood that the arc lamp will be positioned in Vfront of the Anegative when exposure is made. It'will also beY understood that various other refinements may now deemed preferable but the same is merely illustrative and not by way of limitation. All

changes and modifications are contemplatedthat come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a base; of means for supporting a print-receivingelement in position; a supporting member adapted to have a print-producing element attached thereto and retained in a relatively iixedl relation .with respect to said member;

and means for adjusting said member with a.

print-producingv element in iixedrelation thereto, in two directions at right angles to each other in a plane parallel to the print-receiving element.

2. In a machine of the character described., they combination with a frame; of a support for a print-receiving element; a monorail to which a print-producing element is adapted to be attached; means for adjusting said monorailback and forth in one line relative to the frame; and

means for adjusting said monorail back and forth in another line at right angles to said 'rst line of movement whereby,I the print-producing element may be positioned at any desired point 'relative to the print-receiving element b'y adjustmentof said monorail only.I

3. In' a machine of the character described, the combination with a vertically disposed frame; of means for supporting a print-receiving element in vertical position; a monorail to which a printproducing element is adapted to be attached in vertical position. parallel to the print-receiving element; means for adjusting said monorail on said frame vertically and in a vertical plane parallel to the print-receiving element; and means for adjusting said monorail horizontally relative to saidframe and print-receiving element and in a plane parallel to the latter.

4. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a horizontally disposed frame;

-of means for supporting a print-receiving element in a horizontal position; a` monoraill to which a print-producing element is adapted to be attached and positioned horizontally over the print-receiv-v. .ing element; means for adjusting said monorail backand forth in one direction in a horizontal plane; and means for adjusting said monorail back and forth in a direction at right angles to said rst named direction and also in a horizontal plane parallel to the print-receiving element. 1

ment toward and from each other of the press 5. In a machine of the4 character described; the combination with a base; of a frame adjustably mounted onsaid base and adapted to assume vertical, horizontal or intermediate position; means mounted on said frame' for supporting a press plate in a plane parallel to said frame; a monorail adapted to have a print-producing element attached thereto in position parallel-to the press plate; and means for adjusting said monorail relative to said frame in two directions at right angles to each other and in a plane parallel to th'e'press plate. `v

6. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a base; of a frame thereon; supporting means for a press plate; a unitary beam for support-andv attachment thereto of a [print-producing element in operative position relative to the press, plate; laterally spaced cross heads mounted on said frame to .move in one direction and by which said beam is carried and adapted for corresponding movement relative to the press plate, in a plane'parallel thereto, said Abeam .being also slidably mounted in said cross heads v.

to move in a direction at right angles to said iirst named direction; means for adjustingjandlocking in adjusted positions, s aid cross heads relative to the frame andthe beam relative to the cross heads; and means for effecting a relative moveplate and print-producing element `when the same are mounted on their respective supports. '7. In a machine of the-character described,'the combination with a base; of a frame thereon; supporting means for a press plate; a unitary beam for supportjand attachment thereto of a print-producing element in operative position relative to the press plate; laterally spaced cross heads mounted on said-frame to move in one direction and by which said beam is carried and adapted for corresponding movement relative to thepress plate, in a plane parallel thereto, said beam being also slidably mounted in said cross heads to move in a direction-at right angles to .said first named direction; means for effecting major adjustments of said cross heads simultanev ously on the Hamm/'supplemental :means for effectingadditional minoradjustments in the same direction, relatively between the beam and cross heads; means for eiecting major adjustment of the beam relative to the cross heads in a direction at right angles to the cross head adjustments on the frame; supplemental means for effectingadditional minor adjustments of the beamdrela tive to the cross heads in a direction at right angles to the cross head adjustments on the' I frame; and means for effecting relative movei' ment toward and from each other of the press plate and print-producing element when mount- 

